Mountain Magic Goes Under the Sea!

This year, we’re offering earlier check-in on Friday – arrive as early as 4PM – and more classes Friday night. Some of your favorite classes will be returning, and we’re offering exciting new classes! We’ll have better check-out arrangements. We’ll have a free welcome conference call for new participants two weeks before the event to answer your questions. Meet our guest services concierge during the weekend. Check out our four event options - come for the entire weekend, attend Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun, or come for Saturday only! We’ll have a Marketplace on Saturday. Purchase a custom scrapbook of our event. And don’t forget the “early bird” discount if you register by 12/5/09. Registration closes 12/31/09.

EVENT OPTIONS

All options include a personalized event folder and weekend schedule, nametag, patch, swap necklace, meals (as indicated), coffee/hot chocolate/tea, a site map, and all weekend day and evening activities. Campers provide their own transportation (carpooling is recommended).

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-9 PM, Check-Out Sunday after 1 PM. This option includes five meals (Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch) and overnight accommodations (two nights). Register by 12/5: $65.00; Register 12/6 – 12/31: $75.00.

Check-In Friday anytime between 4-9 PM, Check-Out Saturday 7-8:30 PM (NOTE: must vacate sleeping accommodations Saturday AM after breakfast and before 8AM to accommodate Saturday night campers checking in). This option includes three meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and overnight accommodations (Friday night). Register by 12/5: $45.00; Register 12/6 – 12/31: $55.00.

Participant Check-In Saturday 7:30-9:30 AM, Check-Out Sunday after 1 PM. (NOTE: check into lodging accommodations during Saturday lunch hour and before first afternoon class). This option includes four meals (Saturday lunch through Sunday lunch) and overnight accommodations (Saturday night). Register by 12/5: $50.00; Register 12/6 – 12/31: $60.00.

Participant Check-In Saturday 7:30-9:30 AM, Check-Out Saturday 7-8:30 PM. This option includes two meals (Saturday lunch and dinner), no overnight accommodations. Register by 12/5: $30.00 Register 12/6 – 12/31: $40.00.

Please note: some classes have additional fees, payable (cash only) at camp during check-in. A limited number of scholarships are available; please let us know if you need specific assistance (see Scholarships). Detailed confirmations, personalized class schedules, and weekend specifics will be sent to you in early January 2010. Classes, as well as cabins/beds are assigned in the order registration forms are received. If you would like to be assigned to a cabin with a friend, submit UP TO FOUR individual reservation forms together (note requested roommate name(s) on the reservation form).

DETAILED EVENT INFORMATION

Who May Attend

The Mountain Magic Leader Weekend may be attended by ANY currently registered adult Girl Scout or Girl Guide Volunteer (i.e., Lifetime Member or someone who has paid annual dues). You do not need to be a troop “leader” to join us! Do you need to renew your annual adult registration? Are you a brand new volunteer? If so, please send a completed Adult Registration Form, a $12 check payable to “Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta,” and a Volunteer Application (forms available at http://www.girlscoutsgreateratlanta.org/forms/default.asp) directly to the council prior to registering for our weekend. Call the council office at 404-527-7500 for help.

Site

Camp Misty Mountain is located in NW Georgia in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by a national forest with a 100-acre lake. Facilities used during the weekend include: two-story dining hall, five winterized cabin units (heated buildings), archery range, adventure course, and horseback riding facilities. Each unit has a fire ring and outdoor program space. All units are wheelchair accessible. For more information about our site and to view a virtual tour of Camp Misty Mountain, visit http://www.3leaves.org/council/cmm.htm.

Weather

Temperatures have ranged from the low 30s to the low 60s, but we are in the mountains, so temperatures do vary (last year the low was 46⁰ and the high was 56⁰ – low/high averages are 29⁰/50⁰). You will be in heated units, although you will be walking around camp to get from class to class; there are also some outdoor classes. So far, we have never been snowed out, but we have had occasional rain. Plan to dress/pack accordingly and you’ll be fine!

How to Register

Transportation/Parking

Vehicles will be allowed to park in the main parking lot by the dining hall on paved surfaces only. You may NOT park in any grassy areas. You will be allowed to unload your car at your assigned unit (after checking in), but you will then need to immediately move your car to designated parking spaces. Carpooling is highly recommended – spaces are limited. Please park in the designated areas only.

Accommodations

This weekend is a great way to meet new people and get new ideas. We recommend that you be open to random cabin/bed assignment individually. However, if you wish to share sleeping units with a specific person or group of up to three other people, you MUST submit all individual reservation forms together in the same envelope. Groups larger than four persons should split the group into four or fewer per group. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes. We have a virtual tour of Camp Misty Mountain online so you may view the camp.

Cabins/beds are assigned upon receipt of your registration form FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED! Register early if you have a strong preference for unit and/or bunk (i.e., top bunk vs. bottom bunk). Cabins closest to the dining hall and lower bunk beds are reserved for those who have mobility limitations (limited spaces). Please indicate any mobility impairment or limitations so that we may accommodate your needs.

We offer Night Owl/Early Bird and warm/cool cabin choices. Please indicate your preference on the registration form. Participants who want to stay up after 10 PM should plan to socialize in the dining hall until ready to settle down in the units (so others are not disturbed). We will have games and puzzles set up in the dining hall – previous guests have enjoyed working on these and staying up into the wee hours talking/socializing!

Early Bird (early-to-bed)	Lights-out & quiet at 10 PM
Night Owl (late-to-bed)	Lights-out & quiet at midnight
Warm cabin	76°
Cool cabin	68°

Please indicate on your registration form the ONE THING that is most important to you: unit, bunk, temperature, late/early, or being with a friend as we will use this information to place you if your first choice of accommodations is unavailable! Individuals registering as groups should select the same unit preference (warm/cool and early/late).

Please note that ALL UNITS will have classes in the common areas during the day and MAY have classes assigned in the common areas from 7-10PM. To avoid areas where a class may be assigned in the evening, you should select Blue Gill Bay or Shellcracker Cove (and request that you NOT be assigned in the leader room). These are the only units that have separate buildings for the sleeping areas and common areas. Blue Gill Bay and Shellcracker Cove MAY have classes assigned in one of the sleeping areas of the unit during the daytime only. This means that if you want to be able to visit your sleeping area/bunk during the day, a class MAY be in progress. Your personal items will not be disturbed, but if you think you might want to take a nap during the day, this may be disruptive for you. Please note in the special needs area of the registration form if you do not want to be assigned to a sleeping area where a class may be assigned during the day. We are hopeful that providing this information will help light sleepers choose an appropriate unit to ensure undisturbed rest. We apologize for this inconvenience, but this is the only way we can offer the large variety of classes during the weekend.

Please remember, this is a Girl Scout facility. ALCOHOL, FIREARMS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, and PETS ARE PROHIBITED. Smoking is permitted in fire rings only (remember to properly dispose of cigarette butts in designated containers).

What to Bring

All participants should plan to bring personal gear/clothing, a sleeping bag or twin bed linens and a pillow, a towel/washcloth, toiletries, a flashlight (have it handy when you arrive to check in!) and class fees. You may also want to bring eyeshades/earplugs. You will need to bring basic craft supplies, paper/pencil, sit-upon, camera, and other general items. A personalized packing list that includes items needed for the specific classes you are scheduled to attend will be sent to you in your confirmation packet in January, along with the general packing list.

Classes, Workshops, and Activities

Our classes and workshops are designed to enhance your personal growth and program skills for leading girls. Activities are just plain fun for you! All of our high quality sessions are presented by knowledgeable instructors and/or licensed professionals; some sessions may have an additional fee. You MAY NOT just drop in; you must be registered in order to attend a class. The number of participants for each class/workshop/activity is limited. All are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our website to view classes offered this year. Please note your 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd class choice during each time slot. Every effort will be made to give you your first choice. If your first choice class/workshop/activity is full or cancelled, we’ll place you in your next choice. REGISTER EARLY so you won’t be disappointed (and get a discount, too)!

There will be limited opportunities to “switch” classes once registered. When you receive your confirmation packet in January, please pay close attention to the classes you are scheduled to attend. Please contact our camp director, Lianne Griffin, immediately if there are any discrepancies so that we may make adjustments prior to your arrival at camp. All class changes must be made no later than check-in so that we can provide our instructors with accurate class rosters and reimburse them appropriately. Instructors may NOT accept “walk-ins” this year.

Meals

Meals will be cooked and provided cafeteria-style by the Misty Mountain staff in the Dining Hall. We will be offering healthy “adult” choices and vegetarian options at all meals. The weekend menu will be posted to our website (www.3leaves.org/mm2010) soon. Please note any special dietary needs or food allergies on your registration form so that we may try to accommodate you. If you have unique dietary restrictions, you may also bring and prepare your own food (food must be kept in the dining hall or unit kitchens only – no food in sleeping quarters). If you bring your own food, be sure to label it. DO NOT EAT FOOD IN THE UNITS THAT DOESN’T BELONG TO YOU!! A snack table will be available all weekend long in the dining hall for all campers to share. Each camper will be asked to bring a snack for the snack table. You may help yourself to the food choices in the dining hall. J Remember to consider healthy choices, too!

Cell Phones

We have found that cell phones DO NOT work at Misty Mountain. Once you cross the mountain, there is no cell service (Verizon, AT&T, and Metro PCS for sure). A pay telephone is available at the pool, but communication with family members may be somewhat limited unless you cross back over the mountain. We consider this a FEATURE of the weekend! J Emergency phone numbers (for the camp ranger) will be provided in your confirmation packet in the unlikely event that family members need to reach you during the weekend. Walkie-talkies will be available in each unit for communication with the camp ranger or First Aider for emergencies during the weekend. Cell phones make good alarm clocks during the weekend.

SWAPS

Swaps are the tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging keepsakes. They were started long ago and were originally exchanged at National Girl Scout Senior Roundups (referred to as "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere"). Swaps are still the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet each other, promote friendship and remember a special event or Girl Scout Sister. At our Leader Weekend many participants exchange Swaps to remember the friends and fun they share all weekend, but this is optional (however, you may not get any from others if you don’t have some to trade).

Swaps can be simple or complex, cheap or expensive, whatever the maker desires. They can be made from foam, paper, felt, plastic, or “recycled” materials. Swaps usually tell something about the giver (where they are from, what they like) and often include contact information so the people they meet will remember them better. They often represent the event theme (our weekend theme this year is “Under the Sea”). Usually Swaps will have a pin so it can be attached to a swap hat or the special necklace we provide for all participants at check-in. So, make some to bring with you or you can make some at the weekend to exchange with other participants. Participants should plan to bring around 75-100 SWAPS. Need more info? Visit http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/swaps/ or our website to learn more, see samples, or get some ideas!

Entertainment

Our Entertainment Committee has been working overtime to make sure you have plenty of fun during the weekend. On Friday night, participants can take part in a “Get Acquainted” game, take classes, or make and trade swaps with others. On Saturday during the lunch hour, we’ll be treated to a belly dancing demonstration by Taylor Gerard, a professional fusion belly dance choreographer, instructor, and performer. After dinner, we will have a Costume/Fashion Show with a parade and individual and team skits where participants compete for prizes. Costumes are optional, but lots of fun! Start planning now for individual &/or group entries for the Saturday costume contest & skit night. Afterward, take additional classes, or stay to network with others. Stargazing will be offered both Friday and Saturday nights (weather permitting). Camper Awards will be given throughout the weekend (nominated by our participants).

Photo Lab

We’ll have a great “photo op” area and we’ll be taking group photos. Please stop by the registration desk on Sunday and share your memory card with us before you leave. The best pictures will be featured in our scrapbook, too!

Marketplace

During the lunch hour and for one hour before dinner on Saturday, we’ll offer a “Marketplace” where participants and instructors may sell GS, crafting or class-related items. We expect there may be SWAP kits, handouts, Service Unit/Troop fundraisers, etc. Anyone who would like to participate as a “vendor” will need to sign up in advance on the class registration form to secure a table. There will be limited spaces available, and they will be assigned first come first served. We’ll be including a listing of what’s for sale in your confirmation and check-in packets.

Discounts/Volunteer Perks

Discounts are given to our class instructors and to campers who work as a camp helper during one or more class timeslots. Instructors receive $10 off the registration fee. If you would like to teach a class next year, please let Lianne know! Camp Helpers will receive a $5 rebate to offset class fees. Camp helpers collect class rosters, take pictures, and assist the director. Note: this job involves walking around camp (helps you pick which classes to take next year!) One Cabin Hostess will be selected per unit. Hostesses will ensure that guests in that cabin are made to feel welcome, as well as ensure that all cabin mates have signed up for (and completed) cabin kapers before unit check-out. As a perk for accepting these duties, Hostesses are GUARANTEED a bottom bunk! Sign up to be a Camp Helper or Hostess on your registration form. Volunteers will be selected, first-come-first-served in the order registrations are received.

Screen Printing

We will offer screen printing on Friday night. You will be allowed to print one item per person. Your item to be silk-screened can be any pre-washed light/bright colored item (sweatshirt/t-shirt/tote bag/pillow case); we need a 10x12” printable area for the black ink image. You will have an opportunity to paint your item on Saturday evening for a small fee (supplies provided).

Scholarships

Money raised from our soda sale, decorations auction, and scrapbook sale provides funds for scholarships to needy campers. In 2009, NINE scholarships were awarded, totaling nearly $450. Thanks for helping make this weekend a possibility for ALL volunteers!

Optional Items for Purchase

You will include payment for the event (that includes lodging/meals) at the time you register. You will bring cash with you to camp to pay for the classes you selected (which will be detailed in your confirmation letter in January). OPTIONALLY, you may also wish to bring your checkbook or some additional cash for sodas, Marketplace, the scrapbook, our decoration auction (Sunday), and painting for your screen printed item (Saturday). These are all OPTIONAL opportunities which we make available to you as a service.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Need to cancel? Refunds (less a $10 processing fee) will be considered for written cancellations only and must be postmarked/email date stamped no later than December 31, 2009 at 5 PM. All refund requests should be emailed to lianne@3leaves.org or mailed via U.S. Mail to Lianne Griffin, 4016 Briaridge Circle, Atlanta, GA 30340. Substitutions will be allowed pending class availability. Contact Lianne if you are taking the place of someone else.

More Information

Still have questions? Please contact lianne@3leaves.org. We’ll be offering a free welcome conference call for new participants two weeks before the event to answer your last minute questions and make sure you know what to expect when you arrive. Details for participating will be in your confirmation packet. If there is a problem with your reservation, a committee member will contact you. We can’t wait to see you in January!